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Trinity Academy Celebrates Successful Spark Gala

Community support advances tuition-free education and innovation opportunities for Hartford-area students

Trinity Academy raised more than $100,000 during its annual Spark Gala on May 14, bringing together supporters, families, and community leaders to celebrate student achievement and invest in the future of the school's tuition-free educational program.

Held at The Lyceum in Hartford, the event featured dinner, live and silent auctions, and presentations highlighting the impact of Trinity Academy's small-classroom environment, individualized learning plans, and growing focus on innovation-based education.

"We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our supporters," said Joshua Krause, principal of Trinity Academy. "These funds ensure that each child has access to an exceptional education at no cost, and support our expanding innovation curriculum, which introduces students to problem-solving, design thinking, entrepreneurship, and public speaking."

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The evening honored Sharon Bartlett, a longtime literacy volunteer whose dedication has helped shape generations of young readers. Guests also heard remarks from Nick Briere, Executive Director of the Connecticut Invention Convention, whose organization has partnered with Trinity Academy to expand opportunities for hands-on innovation and entrepreneurship education.

The evening also featured remarks from Trinity Academy alumna Jaylene Carrillo, who spoke about the lasting impact the school has had on her life and family.

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"Trinity is my safe place," said Carrillo, a rising senior at Hartford High School with plans to pursue a career in healthcare as an Obstetric (OB) Sonographer after graduation. "They have watched me come so far and always make it known that their doors are open for me. Every visit is a reminder that I have a second family who genuinely cares and sees me for who I am."

The gala's success was made possible through the support of sponsors, donors, auction participants, and community partners.

Lead sponsors included Legrand, Town Fair Tire, LAZ Parking, Jay Spivak, Halloran Sage, Cummings & Lockwood LLC, Business Lenders, Connecticut Wealth Management, LLC, Beazley, Virtus Investment Partners, Morgan Stanley, Immanuel Congregational Church, and St. John's Parish.

Trinity Academy currently serves approximately 35 students and expects enrollment to grow to 40–45 students during the 2026–2027 school year.

It costs approximately $16,000 annually to educate each student, a cost made possible through philanthropic support and community fundraising efforts.

About Trinity Academy

Trinity Academy is an independent, privately funded, tuition-free elementary school serving students in kindergarten through fourth grade in the Hartford area for more than 10 years. Its mission is to educate students in a nurturing and inclusive environment with a focus on intensive academics, the arts, literacy, innovation, and critical thinking, helping students develop strong core skills to grow socially, emotionally, and culturally. For more information, visit www.trinityday.org

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